Thursday, December 14, 2017

So my ricoh Gr went for a toss and I did not want to go down the same path again.
So I got myself a Yi M1 and a Lumix 14 mm 2.5 lens off Aliexpress for about 32 K (along with the Mi kit lens that I have not used). I also used a the hand lanyard to make it a small package.
Initial thoughts, It is small and handy (not as small as Ricoh GR) but certainly not pocketable in the way the GR is. Fits into my jacket pocket. Grip is so-so and I have large hands.
The package is good to hold. I also updated the firmware and it is now better.I shot some pictures on RAW(DNG) and the photo quality is pretty good.
The problems: Not as responsive as the GR, appreciable shutter lag that persists even when shooting in manual mode, may cause missed opportunities . A bit of a delay (around half a second, maybe less) between shots while in AF-S mode. I wish there was a way to turn off the screen to save battery life or make the camera even less obvious but that is not possible (maybe can be fixed up in a firmare update).
Auto WB and metering is pretty good. Battery life is decent.
Will update as I gain more experience.

Tuesday, November 07, 2017

Well I have a Ricoh GR and I love it. Seriously the most fun camera, never any dust on sensor stuff either. However I think there is one major flaw which is that of the retractable lens assembly. I think it is prone to break down. My camera gave up after less than 2 years. I switched it on one fine day and the lens opened up and just got stuck there. The camera switched off and would not autofocus. Fortunately the camera is in warranty. I sent it to Mumbai and am told that it will take a month or more to repair.
Meanwhile I trawled around the net and found that this is a pretty common complaint that the lens assembly just gives up.
So all potential buyers the GR is a fantastic camera but also prone to this problem.
The Fuji x70 with its non retractable lens assembly may be more robust that way.

Thursday, May 25, 2017

I am back in mcleodganj after 2012 January. And the rot I think I noticed then is now infinitely more noticeable. Gone is the quiet charming place and in it's place is this concrete dusty warm dirty noisy place where there is no place to sit or stand or watch the world go by. In stead there are package tours and innumerable taxis. How did we let this happen? How did we not self regulate? Why do we not let secrets remain secret.

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

The book co-authored by Sanjay Kaushal and with a foreword by Sir Mark Tully is now available. Please email or leave a comment on this blog if you would like to have a copy.
Pages: 144
Size: 10"x10"
Hardbound